Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 July 2018
303. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the number of ESB public charge points for electric vehicles in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the proposals to provide additional charge points; the locations in each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29829/18]
View answer304. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to provide fast-charge points for electric vehicles in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29830/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 303 and 304 together.
There are currently charging posts at five locations in County Cavan. As each charging post consists of two charging points, this gives a total of ten charging points in the county.
There are also charging posts at five locations consisting of a total of ten charging points in County Monaghan. In addition, there is a fast charging station located in Monaghan Town.
The National Policy Framework: Alternative Fuels Infrastructure for Transport in Ireland 2017 to 2030 sets out the need for electric vehicle charging in Ireland. Although the existing capacity of the public charging network is considered adequate, development of infrastructure to meet the growing demand is necessary.
A key aspect of the work of the Low Emission Vehicle Taskforce, co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, involves examining how best to support the development of the public charging network. The first phase of the Taskforce's work, which focuses on electric vehicles, is nearing completion and I expect to bring forward proposals that will support the provision of effective and efficient publically accessible electric vehicle charging later this year.
Funding for public charging in local communities is already available through the Better Energy Communities Scheme. The scheme, which is administered by the SEAI, supports community based partnerships to improve the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and community facilities in a local area.
To support home charging, where the majority of electric vehicle charging takes place, I introduced the Electric Vehicle Home Charger Grant this year. This supports the cost of installing a home charger up to a maximum of €600 for buyers of both new and second-hand electric vehicles.
